Sarasota Commission considers tourism troubles

SARASOTA, Fla. - There will be no more outdoor events in St. Armands circle during tourism season due to parking problems, but it won't cost you to park at the Palm Avenue garage then either. Those are two decisions made at the Sarasota City Commission meeting Monday.

The commission voted to temporarily stop granting permits for events at St. Armands Circle to cut down on congestion there during peak season. Merchants made the request to ease the parking crunch.

The commission also voted to hold off on charging for parking at the Palm Avenue garage in Sarasota. Business owners there say construction in downtown Sarasota hurt their business over the summer, and they are afraid asking patrons to pay for parking will continue to keep people away.